**This review is from August 2025** We lucked out on our drive back from Yosemite. On a whim, we turned into a neighborhood in Independence to look at some early 1900s homes and noticed what appeared to be a small museum. When we walked in, we were greeted by the nicest woman, who warmly welcomed us and mentioned there were clean restrooms in the back. They were, without question, the cleanest bathrooms we encountered during our entire trip. The museum was much larger than we expected. One side featured a beautiful collection of Native American baskets in a wide range of shapes, all with intricate and impressive designs. The other side was filled with historical artifacts from the region, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Eastern California Museum turned out to be one of the most memorable stops of our trip. Edited to add: We made the three-hour drive back to the museum last month so we could spend more time exploring. It was another great experience read more

See all

This museum is a real gem. It has a big Native American basket collection on display. They might be utilitarian objects, but they are also very beautiful. They have a lot of interesting Native American and historic artifacts covering local history. On our visit, we were lucky to come across the volunteers with the Carson and Colorado railway firing up the Slim Princess #18. It's not everyday that you hearing a steam locomotive fired up. The volunteers shared information about #18, which they lovingly restored. While they don't offer rides, they are very happy to talk about the history of the train and the work that has gone into it's restoration. This is a worthwhile stop on any trip to eastern California. And don't forget to stop by the Carson and Colorado to see what they're up to. https://carsoncolorado.com/ read more

See all

I have come to the Eastern Sierras for hiking many times, but this was the first trip where we explored some of the museums and indoor activities. The Eastern California Museum does not disappoint! The small building packs some truly incredible exhibits about California history. One side of the museum had a beautiful and extensive display of Native American baskets and beadwork from local tribes as well as portrait photography. The descriptions were really detailed and focused on the local history and the people who crafted these goods. The other half of the museum has several exhibits related to Eastern California history, including the Los Angeles aqueduct, Manzanar, mountaineering/climbing, conservation, geology, medicine, and politics. They have some old and truly unique pieces and I enjoyed looking through each display, including the infamous coyote dentures and a mammoth tusk we were told we must go see. This place is truly a local treasure and I highly recommend stopping by for a visit. read more

An enriching place that offers both breadth and depth on many topics relating to human and natural history in this uniquely beautiful part of California. There is something for everyone here, and one visit won't be enough to take it all in properly. That there are regular and predictable hours and no entrance fee means there's no excuse to not visit (and here I am kicking myself for taking years to finally visit!). There are also lovely grounds to explore and a wonderful bookstore and gift shop. read more

Amazing place, well worth a stop. They have some items that you won't find anywhere else. Great little gift shop with the newest books. The staff is extremely knowledgable and ready to educate. They have some super old and interesting pieces that are still up and running. Definitely worth the time and bonus it's a FREE MUSEUM! read more

Lots of interesting things to look at and a nice picnic area and nearby native trail. The internment camp things were well displayed read more

Eastern California Museum - Some political pins near alternate currencies - Museums Near Me - Independence, California

What a treasure this small museum is! If you're interested in California history, it's a must. We were the only visitors on a weekday afternoon, so social distancing wasn't a problem. Masks required of course. Everything's here from gorgeous Indian baskets to Amelia Earhart's dress. Plus a huge outdoor exhibit of old farm and mining equipment. Picnic tables too, for the school groups that can no longer visit because of the pandemic. A great gift shop and clean bathrooms are added bonuses. Highly recommended! Donations accepted.stunning read more

Eastern California Museum - Stunning collection of Native American baskets. - Museums Near Me - Independence, California

I was completely surprised to see pictures of my Nana and her family from Manzanar. That was really special!

Coyote dentures. That was why we came. We were planning a daytrip to Manzanar, and in so looking up other activities to do in the area I read about a guy who lost his teeth and made replacements using ones he pulled from a coyote and setting them in melted toothbrush handles. Figured it was worth driving a few more miles north to check them out. And here they are: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/eastern-california-museum-independence?select=oEZ6c89ckJvjmcmke36ZNQ#oEZ6c89ckJvjmcmke36ZNQ It's a nice museum, with further exhibits on Manzanar that's only a few minutes down south. They've got a recreation of the inside of an internment camp barrack (photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/eastern-california-museum-independence?select=4gXPGi3NJjBDq9lKuQLDpQ#4gXPGi3NJjBDq9lKuQLDpQ) as well other relics from that period. The main building of this free museum is two rooms. The first is mostly baskets woven by the indigenous people of the area (photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/eastern-california-museum-independence?select=1WE-vUAugCNBg7-Vg4HKBg#1WE-vUAugCNBg7-Vg4HKBg). I understand the historical significance of collecting and displaying the containers of a culture (baskets, pots, bowls, jars, vases, etc), but I tend to gloss over those things. The second room is packed to the gills with artifacts from the gold rush era and all sorts of odds and ends. There's a motorized diorama of mountain goats. Flip the switch and this loud mechanism starts just to show one goat jumping downhill. There are other things like a bamboo opium pipe, antique medicine bottles, a Wimshurst static electric generator, among other things. Outside they have a yard loaded with equipment used in the building of the L.A. Aqueduct as well as historic buildings like a general store and blacksmith's forge. Makes for some great pictures with all these mine carts, threshers, rusted over cars, and ghost town-looking structures in the foreground of the big snowy mountains in whose shadow the museum sits. Definitely worth visiting on the way to or from Manzanar. read more

See all

This museum is a little gem off the 395. They have a very nice collection of Native American baskets. I really enjoyed their small section on Manzanar and the Japanese American internment. Their collection of artifacts and photographs paint a very personal and human story of this American tragedy. You really understand the personal strength of a group of Americans put into a horrible circumstance. This exhibit makes a good companion piece to visiting Manzanar. We came to see things about the LA Aqueduct. Not only was there a good exhibit of photos and ephemera but they have a wonderful archives of documents and photos for researchers. Don't miss wandering the yard and looking at the rusty relics of a bygone era. Beautiful picnic area with a running stream. Great for kids who are sick of being cooped up in the car!! read more

See all

This is a wonderful hidden gem in Independence! Love the historic ephemera and the equipment yard. The native baskets seem unprotected and I hoe that changes. Happy it's here! read more

I thought that this museum was excellent. My girlfriend and I enjoyed it a lot. It has a lot of really interesting facts on local mountain climbers, natives, the Japanese relocation act and even a really neat collection of historical buildings that have been relocated and historical-antique machinery. It was a really nice treat as we were looking for something to break up the monotony of driving. Recommend highly. read more

See all

This museum has a huge amount of history regarding the towns, mountains and deserts along Highway 395 and Death Valley and the surrounding areas. It has an immense collection of the local Indian Tribal baskets and examples of relics from the mining and many other trades that were prevalent in the area. They have a great outdoor display of equipment and machinery from the past. This museum will take several hours to see all they have on display. It is very interesting how they have it set up from the beginning to the more current day with photos and items covering all topics. We really enjoyed speaking to the staff there, also. They are very knowledgeable and friendly. read more

As an archaeology and anthro student, I must say, this small museum has one of the most excellent native american basket collections. Baskets are of superb workmanship, all from tribes of the eastern Sierra. Highly recommended!!!! Free, but please leave some money in the donation jar, they deserve it. Oh yes, fantastic for inquisitive children. read more

I love the Eastern Sierras and have always been fascinated by its rich history, so what a great stop this museum was! Such great attention to detail, an amazing archive, and an astonishing collection of native basketry. I wish I could remember the lady who showed us around today, because she was fantastic! One of the best and most engrossing museums I've ever been to, hands down. read more

If you are traveling through this area on US Hway 395, you really should make plans to stop at this museum. This museum is wonderful. They have a great collection of local American Indian baskets. I really enjoyed their small section on Manzanar and the Japanese-American internment. Their local collection of artifacts and photographs add to the story of this American mistake and mistreatment of Japanese -Americans. They also have a great section dedicated to the building of the LA Aqueduct. There a good exhibit of photos and stories that should men's tenacity when it came to constructing this 'marvel'. read more

They have an excellent collection of personal photos and accounts from Manzanar. If you visit Manazar then you should definitely stop here as well. The place is notlarge but there was not charge for admission. The pictures alone were amazing. Lots of before and after so if you can't imagine what it really looked like while driving through the auto trail this is extremely helpful. We did Manzanar first then stopped here after lunch. It may be better to flip the direction. We also really enjoyed the historic buildings outside. Be sure to peak inside. There's still real tools of the trade for the assayer, blacksmith, barber, etc. Ther's also a very nice collection of Native beadwork and basketry. Very beautiful artifacts. read more

Found out about this little treasure through Atlas Obscura (re: Coyote Teeth). Was nicely surprised. At the time we went they had a great exhibition featuring the stories of the incarcerated. A lovely and poignant portrayal of original watercolor paintings and memories from the Manzanar Internment camp. Lots of other interesting and varied treasures and historical artifacts as well. The young woman that was working at the time we were there (Oct. 7th, 2019) was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. A true delight. Stop in, say howdy and be prepared to be amazed. read more

This is a 'hole in a wall' museum! It is fantastic! When you arrive, it may not look like much, but once you walk in, you can tell that there is history. It's a great find, and a lot of knowledge to take in. Learning about fox dentures, to western California- and the guns that was used, as well as more knowledge into Manzanar. It's a definite great place to go to. As well as, after the museum, you are able to walk outside to where they have the trains, and to what it looks like a mock western town. It's definitely different, and a great place to go with kids who loves western, as well as trains! read more

Man, what a place. The staff are 5 star. They live and breath the Eastern Sierra and can fill you with LOADS of information on the history of the region. They turned me on to the Mary Austin house around the corner. They have a nice trail next door with a great view. Good book selection as well. Another must stop place. I go here every single trip now. read more

Absolutely phenomenal collection of Paiute-Shoshone basket weaving! This museum is small but impressive. The staff is super friendly, and they also have some native jewelry for sale. read more

Love the Eastern California Museum! And Jon, Heather, and everyone at the ECM make the wonderful experience even better! History buffs and non-history buffs alike will love it. It's perfect for everyone: Adults looking to learn a little more about California history, and kids looking to find the oddest oddities: from an Indian Bugle Marching Band to dentures made of coyote's teeth... Be sure to sign in the register and leave your mark in history! read more

Bigger and better than we expected. Tons of info, nice library to peruse and Heather is a wealth of info. You should check it out, and help support if can. Without these types of places, the knowledge and historical artifacts will be lost forever. read more

Located a few blocks west of Highway 395, the museum is an essential resource to any Owens Valley Eastern Sierra CA visitor. Excellent displays on early mining, Manzanar WWII relocation camp, vast collection of Paiute basketry. Enthusiastic museum staff. Academic researchers will find the staff helpful in searching the extensive historic photo collection. Native Plant garden to the north leads to a walkway through desert landscape and site of ancient Paiute village. read more

First rate displays and research tools for those interested in the history of Owens Valley. Well worth the 2-3 block detour west of 395!